Disabled children enthralled by visiting student delegation
Children at the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability were in for a present surprise when they hosted the visiting Taiwanese delegation of students under the banner ‘International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Programme’ at the association premises yesterday.
The team was so awestruck by the splendid performances of the 16 students that they went on to wow them with gigglers and balloon crafts. They couldn’t but give them a standing ovation with their tiny palms.
They enthralled, captivated and cared for these tiny tots while they were transcending into a world of imagination, as could be read from their innocent faces.
Najat Saif Mohammed al Busaidy, Chairperson of the Association, Sabah al Bahlani, CEO of the Association, along with their staff members were present at the entertainment event which lasted for an hour.
“What makes the visit and the performance of the Taiwanese students delegation all the more interesting is that they are keeping our children involved and engrossed with their performance, whether it is craft or juggling or art and drawing,” Najat who is also a Senior Occupational Therapist and HoD of Occupational Therapy Department at the Armed Forces Medical Services said.
Titled International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Programme, this annual visit is an attempt to enhance the socio-cultural relationships with countries around the world by introducing their homeland to friends from across the world by conveying the theme ‘Youth from Taiwan; Compassion for all’.
The Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability offers its services to children with disability from birth to six years. It provides comprehensive programmes of early intervention services. These programmes cover rehabilitative, social, psychological and therapeutic needs of the children. The centre depends completely on donations from public and its patrons.
Formed in 2000 the Early Intervention Centre is the only centre in Oman to provide children of these age groups of with specialised programmes that cover all developmental areas. Since its inception the Association’s philosophy has been to continuously develop and upgrade its staff and build a partnership with parents of children with disability as these are the key elements in the success of its programme.
It serves children who are at risk or disabled, with a comprehensive early intervention programme that covers social, academic and therapeutic services. The Centre’s objective is to have children enrol in regular schools or minimise their disabilities to ensure a better quality of life for them and their families. The Association also undertakes an educational and advocacy role to improve societal awareness of people with special needs.